Airport Terminal Ground Broken

Patrick Henry Poised For Growth

NEWPORT NEWS — The state and local dignitaries gathered Tuesday for the groundbreaking on Patrick Henry International Airport's new $25 million terminal waited and waited.

A few anxious moments later - with a little prodding from airport Executive Director Peter Daikos - the reluctant ceremonial doves took flight, signaling what airport officials hope will be a period of tremendous growth for the Peninsula's airport.

Airport and local officials appeared confident the hesitant doves will not be symbolic of the new seven gate-terminal's flight.

"This airport is essential to the economic development of this city," said Newport News Mayor Jessie Rattley. "We've been saying it for years and finally we've got some people to listen."

The 115,000-square-foot terminal is to be built in two phases, the first phase to be completed in December 1991. Phase one will include three loading bridges for direct linkage to jet aircraft, with future accommodations for three more.

The second phase involves a duplicate concourse pad with at least six more loading bridges. Up to 36 loading bridges could be built eventually.

The building will have two levels, with the top levelproviding access to baggage claim, ticketing concessions and other public function areas. The bottom area will be for airport use only.

A prism skylight will be a main feature of the terminal, which will combine colonial brick and glass in an attempt to relect the Peninsula's past.

City, state and federal funds are being used in the construction of the new terminal. Newport News will finance $14 million of the $25 million project through a 2-cent increase in the real estate tax per $100 of assessed value.

In August the Peninsula Airport Commission recieved a $7.24 million grant from the Virginia Aviation Board, the largest ever given out by the board to date, said Kenneth Rowe, Department of Aviation director.

"We certainly support this project 100 percent," Rowe said, adding he had no doubt that Patrick Henry and Norfolk International Airport are both going to be major transportation hubs in the future.